Immunostimulatory Effects of Aloe vera and β-Glucan on Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses Following Vaccination with Polyvalent Vaccines in Dogs

Abstract

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera and β-Glucan on lymphocyte subsets, haematological parameters and immunglobulin concentrations following vaccination in dogs. For this purpose, totally 20 street dogs were used. The animals were allocated into five groups. Group 1 consisted of only polyvalent vaccine applied dogs. Group 2 and 3 were only Aloe vera and β-Glucan applied dogs, respectively. Group 4 and 5 were consisted of polyvalent vaccine in addition to Aloe vera and β-Glucan applied dogs, respectively. Blood samples were collected before vaccination and after vaccination (AV). Although platelet (PLT) counts in group 1 decreased AV, in all other groups (group 2, 3, 4, 5) it increased. White blood cell (WBC) and peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocyte (PBML) counts (in all groups), peripheral blood polymorphonuclear lymphocyte (PBPL) counts (group 1, 2, 4, 5), neutrophil (group 1, 4, 5), monocyte (group 2, 3, 5), packed cell volume (PCV) ratios (group 2 and 3) and haemoglobin (HGB) concentrations (group 3) increased AV. But, lymphocyte ratios in all groups did not change AV. CD8 T lymphocyte ratios in all groups increased at 7 th and 14 th days AV. Although CD3 T lymphocyte ratios in group 1 increased at 7 th day AV, CD4 T and B lymphocytes ratios did not change AV period. But, both CD3 and CD4 T lymphocytes ratios in all other groups increased at 7th and 14 th days AV. Moreover, B lymphocytes ratios in all groups except for group 1 increased AV. On the other hand, B lymphocytes ratios in group 2 and 3 increased only 7 th day AV, while this increase in group 4 and 5 were present on both 7 th and 14 th days AV. Serum IgM concentrations in group 1 increased only 7 th day AV, whereas its levels did not change in group 2 and 3. Serum IgG concentrations in group 1, 2 and 3 increased only 14 th day AV. But, serum IgM and IgG concentrations in group 4 and 5 increased at 7 th and 14 th days AV. Administration of Aloe vera and β-Glucan after vaccination in